WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - As the starting quarterback at Purdue, Gary Danielson exemplified the best of the "Cradle of Quarterbacks" as a pro-caliber player with a strong, accurate arm.
In 1971, Danielson led the Big Ten in passing offense with 1,467 yards and was the architect of six of the conference's 11 longest plays of the season. Danielson's arm was more than a cannon, however, as he set the Big Ten record for passing accuracy that year at 61.7 percent in conference games.
Then, running the option against Washington during his senior year, Danielson seized the chance to use his legs, rushing for 213 yards.
In 11 NFL seasons with the Detroit Lions and Cleveland Browns, Danielson passed for 13,764 yards and 81 touchdowns. He moved from the football playing field to broadcast booth in what appeared to be an easy transition and has excelled in his second career as a college football analyst, first with ESPN doing mostly Big Ten games and now with CBS doing mostly SEC games.
Danielson will be recognized in absentia during Purdue's Oct. 16 home game vs. Minnesota.
In recognition of its "Cradle of Quarterbacks" heritage and with help from thousands of on-line voters this spring, Purdue's Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, in conjunction with "Gold & Black Illustrated" and the Office of Trademark Licensing, has selected Purdue's top 12 quarterbacks of all-time from a list of 31 multiple-time starters.
A different quarterback will be highlighted each week during the 2010 season. Several will appear on campus during the fall and will be honored at President's Council pregame programs and during games.